Blog

Operation Christmas Child (OCC), a project of Samaritan’s Purse, is pleased to once again partner with Trail Life USA (TLUSA). 2016 is the third year of this partnership, and God is doing amazing things through the combined missions and efforts of Trail Life USA and Operation Christmas Child.

Last year, over 8,500 shoebox gifts were packed by Trailmen. This means that 8,500 children around the world not only received a gift as a demonstration of God’s love to them, but also had the opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ because of the shoeboxes you and your Troop packed.

“We are thankful for our continued partnership with Trail Life USA,” said Randy Riddle, Domestic (US) Director with Operation Christmas Child. “Each of these shoeboxes is an example of Trailmen giving beyond themselves and is a platform to not only share the good news of the Gospel, but also to teach children what it means to be a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ.”

This year, Trailmen not only have the opportunity to pack shoebox gifts for other children around the world, but can also contribute towards The Greatest Journey (TGJ), the follow up discipleship program of Operation Christmas Child. When a child receives a shoebox gift, they are invited back to the local church to participate in this 12-lesson bible study course guiding them through salvation and what it means to faithfully follow Jesus Christ, along with how to witness to friends and family. For $6, one child receives the materials needed to go through The Greatest Journey, including a bible in their own language upon graduation.

Danniella, who lives in Uganda knows firsthand the impact of receiving a shoebox gift and then participating in The Greatest Journey. It was so encouraging to her, that she herself is now a teacher of The Greatest Journey. Daniella states, “I now know that I belong to God, I belong to Jesus, and all my life is His.” To watch Daniella’s story, click here.

Every shoebox your Troop packs changes the life of a child, their family, and their communities all across the globe. Know that your shoebox is making a difference!